In the sixth chapter of "Franklin," titled "Beauty and Folly," the narrative dives into the murky depths of espionage and personal upheaval, painted against the volatile backdrop of a revolution teetering precariously on the edge of disintegration. The episode unfolds in a morgue, where the lifeless body of a Benjamin Franklin impersonator, victims of Paul Wentworth's (played by Tom Hughes) cold-blooded murder, lies in stark stillness.
Benjamin (portrayed by Michael Douglas), accompanied by Pierre de Beaumarchais (Assaad Bouab) and Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir (Olivier Rabourdin), engages in a discussion about the sequence of events that led to this grim fate. Benjamin unveils that he had dispatched a doppelgänger based on Lenoir's cautionary advice. The introduction of Bancroft (Daniel Mays) injects an extra layer of intricacy into the scenario, as he hypothesizes that either the chauffeur or a local law enforcement officer might be implicated.
In a confidential exchange, Bancroft confesses his guilt over the deceased's fate, acknowledging that he was the one who steered Benjamin towards deploying a double. Benjamin, however, reassures Bancroft and expresses his skepticism towards Lenoir. Despite Lenoir's forewarning of the looming peril, Benjamin suspects that this might serve as a cunning disguise for Lenoir's betrayal. He even entertains the notion that John Adams (Eddie Marsan) could be the culprit, given Adams' relentless desire to witness Benjamin's downfall. Benjamin confides in Bancroft, stating that he is the sole individual he places his trust in.
Bancroft informs Wentworth that he had mistakenly presumed Benjamin to be in the carriage, thus outsmarting both of them. Wentworth insists that Benjamin's elimination is imperative and cannot be delayed. Bancroft, however, believes that Benjamin and Adams will ultimately bring about each other's ruin, given Adams' support from Congress. Wentworth cautions Bancroft that if he is apprehended, he will not face justice alone.
In the meantime, Lenoir conveys to Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert) that he is hot on the trail of Wentworth, elucidating the meticulously orchestrated murders and his intimate awareness of Wentworth's whereabouts in Paris. Rather than immediately apprehending him, Lenoir proposes they exercise patience, allowing Wentworth to persist in his endeavors, as he might yet serve a purpose. Vergennes' sole condition is that Benjamin's life must be spared.
Temple (Noah Jupe), Gilbert (Théodore Pellerin), Segur (Arthur Orcier), and Noailles (Victor Lafrej) find themselves under the relentless pursuit of French officers as they desperately strive to reach Le Havre, with the aim of securing a vessel for an invasion of England. Cornered and surrounded, Gilbert instinctively draws his sword, steel gleaming in readiness for battle, before realizing that it is Vergennes who stands before them. Vergennes lambasts them for their naivety, dismissing their plan as nothing short of idiotic.
Temple firmly maintains that their scheme would have flourished had Vergennes not meddled. In response, Vergennes scoffs, branding Temple as an arrogant simpleton. Following their contentious encounter, Temple seeks solace and finds it in Jacques (played by Aïtor de Calvairac), who leads him away to the tranquil countryside.
Under the weight of his wife's persuasion, Chaumont (portrayed by Olivier Claverie) reluctantly broaches the subject of remuneration from the American congress. At this juncture, John Adams enters the room and respectfully requests some privacy to confer with Benjamin. Adams, charged by the Congress, aims to negotiate a treaty with London, a proposition that Benjamin vigorously opposes. The discourse quickly escalates into a heated debate, with Benjamin insisting, with unwavering conviction, that Adams should incinerate the letter, believing that it harbors no potential for positive outcomes.
Vergennes sides with Franklin, reluctant to allow Adams to embark on peace negotiations with Great Britain. For a year, he has been bombarded by Benjamin's unwavering stance: no treaty can be brokered without a steadfast guarantee of American independence. France anticipates a reward for their investment in the American struggle, and Adams's criticism of French assistance does not escape notice. In a fit of displeasure, Vergennes issues Adams a stark order to depart, vowing never to lay eyes on him again.
Count Maurepas (Robin Renucci) and Monsieur Necker (Vincent Winterhalter) present a proposal for a truce among France, America, and Britain to King Louis XVI. They disclose that they are engaging directly with British Prime Minister Lord North. They contend that France cannot continue to finance a war with dwindling prospects of victory and that their message has been conveyed effectively. Vergennes informs Louis that he will act as he deems necessary, but if France intends to withdraw from the conflict, he insists on a formal letter of withdrawal.
Denied access to Vergennes because of Adams's actions, Benjamin entrusts Gilbert with arranging a meeting with the King. America desperately needs French naval support to intercept the English at sea and troops to confront them on land, recognizing the urgency to act before it's beyond repair. Meanwhile, Temple and Jacques immerse themselves in revelry and debauchery in the countryside, even joining in a stag hunt. When Jacques repeatedly shows disrespect to Odette Caillot (Sonia Bunny), Temple loses patience and punches him. He then pursues Odette outdoors, where they engage in a passionate sexual encounter.
The following morning, Temple awakens to find himself deserted by his companions, a solitary figure amidst the dawn's disarray. Disoriented and overwhelmed by a sense of abandonment, he succumbs to tears, his spirit crushed by the solitude. Eventually, he summons a carriage bound for Paris, seeking solace in the familiarity of the city.
Upon his reunion with Gilbert, Segur, and Noailles, they reveal their imminent departure for Virginia, accompanied by a formidable force of 7,000 men and the King's consort. When Gilbert gently inquiries whether Temple will reconcile with Benjamin and join their ranks, Temple responds with a fiery refusal, declaring his heart has found its true love in France.
Temple's journey eventually brings him to Chaumont, where he discovers Benjamin slumbering peacefully. As Benjamin awakens, he finds Temple meticulously organizing his papers, with a solemn promise to transcribe Benjamin's notes in both English and French, a gesture of unity amidst the chaos.
"Beauty and Folly" stands as a poignant testament to the fragile nature of alliances and the perilous stakes of personal and political intrigue during wartime. This episode masterfully captures the essence of a revolution teetering on the brink, where trust is a rare commodity and the distinction between friend and foe is often obscured by the shadows of conflict.
